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Trojan Buzz: Troy at Louisiana-Lafayette

Bryan Holmes

Troy wide receiver Bryan Holmes, left, is knocked out of bounds by Louisiana Monroe kicker Justin Manton (17) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Troy, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

THIS GAME WILL DETERMINE: It's a huge a matchup in the Sun Belt. If the Ragin' Cajuns prevail, they won't sow up first place but they'll be driver's seat down the stretch of the season. Troy will have most of the conference rooting for it. If the Trojans pull out the victory, they'll open things for themselves as well as Louisiana-Monroe , Arkansas State and Texas State in the league standings

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

1. Troy's discipline. The Trojans are the most penalized team in the conference. They were whistled for 11 infractions, costing them 115 yards. It was the second-straight game they've been penalized for more than 100 yards. It's something they'll have to try and control to have a shot against the league's least-penalized squad.

2. Troy's defense. The Trojans' stoppers turned in their best performance of the season, limiting Western Kentucky to 26-points in a six-point victory two weeks ago. However, they reverted back to their old ways, allowing 49 points in a loss to Louisiana-Monroe last week. ULM quarterback Kolton Browning torched Troy for 354 yards and five touchdowns. ULL is averaging 37.9 points per game to lead the Sun Belt.

3. ULL's running game. The Ragin' Cajuns are the the Sun Belt's top rushing outfit, averaging 226.8 yards per game on the ground. And they come at you in waves. Gadsden City product Alonzo Harris is third in the Sun Belt with 112 carries, 655 yards and 12 touchdowns. Elijah McGuire is fourth in the league with 497 yards and five touchdowns on 57 carries for a league-best 8.7 yards per carry and Terrance Broadway has rushed for 250 yards this season.

KEY MATCHUP: Troy vs. Troy. ULL will provide plenty of opposition. But the biggest obstacle Troy will have to face is itself. If the Trojans can limit penalties and turnovers, they' should be right there in the thick of things in crunch time tonight.

BY THE NUMBERS: 5-That's the number of games in a row Troy wide receiver Eric Thomas has had at least 75 yards receiving.